Have you been itching to have people over to your home to share food, games, and fun? Sports are a great excuse to throw a party, as they bring people together while creating an upbeat and entertaining environment.
If your friend group is already full of dedicated sports fans, it can be a great idea to put on a sports watch party where space is created for viewing an important matchup in the company of loved ones.
However, when planning this ultimate sports gathering, there are a few things all hosts can do to take their party to the next level.
Three Words: Food, Food, and More Food
No party, whether sports-related or not, is complete without copious amounts of snacks and finger foods.
But particularly for sports watch parties, there’s nothing better than watching your favorite player score a touchdown or hit a home run while chowing down on some great food.
Appetizers like crisps with various flavored dips, or meat and cheese plates can be served as people are arriving.
Following this, during mid-game, you can transition to some classic sport snacks like chicken wings and pizza.
The important thing is to make a grocery shopping list beforehand according to the headcount of the party.
This ensures that you never run out of game-day grub for your hungry, cheering friends. If your budget is tight, organize the party in more of a “potluck” style where each guests brings a different dish, and everyone shares.
Snacks should never be in short supply during a sports watch party
Play Sports Party Games
When hosting this type of event, chances are you may have some people who have not met one another before.
Especially if it is a larger group, it can be difficult for small talk to flow around the room and break the ice between everyone.
This is why the host should organize some fun games for people to play before, during, and after the game.
Easy-going “get-to-know-you games” are perfect for the first hour before the game actually starts, and then during halftime other sports-themed games like ball tosses or ping pong tournaments are perfect.
On the other hand, in the event that everyone is already well-acquainted, one way to spice up the party is by placing bets on the game’s outcome.
This can be done for as high or low stakes as your group prefers as its purpose is just to add another level of competition and fun.
In fact, as more online wager sites open up across the U.S., free bets on a variety of different sports are available for new and returning users. Guests that are interested in the betting game can review odds and stats on platforms like these in preparation.
Make the Decoration Festive
There are countless ways to decorate your space in preparation for a sports watch party. The best way to do this is by investing in themed decorations that coordinate with the team who is playing.
For example, if it is an NBA game, the franchise’s logo can be featured in the décor, along with balloons in the shape of basketballs.
As the host, it’s your job to let your creativity fly and make the space visually memorable for all.
Prior to hosting your event, ensure that your TV has access to the game in its entirety
Rearrange Your Space for Ample Seating
Before opening up your home for a sports watch party, you want to be sure that you will be able to accommodate all your eager guests in front of the TV.
After all, the whole point of a viewing gathering is to watch the match, so if there isn’t enough room for everyone to see, some people could get frustrated.
Even if it requires you to rearrange your space a bit, it will go a long way on game day. Equally as important is the bathroom, as your guests will be visiting it on and off throughout the party. Here you can find some extra tips to make any average bathroom great.
You should also consider your television set and the programs it offers. Some sporting events are only available on certain channels or with subscription packages.
Checking this beforehand is essential, as your friends will want to make sure they don’t miss a beat of the sports action.